GILLINGHAM player-manager Andy Hessenthaler takes his patched up side to Nationwide League, Division 1, leaders Norwich tonight knowing they face their stiffest test against a club who have never experienced back-to-back defeats.

The Canaries' seemingly unstoppable march towards the Premier League suffered a setback with Saturday's 2-1 defeat at Cardiff but manager Nigel Worthington was quick to promise that the side would make amends against Gillingham.

Norwich's total of 13 home wins in the League this season is unsurpassed by any club in the division and Gillingham have seldom done well there.

Hessenthaler, who was without 13 senior professionals at Preston on Saturday, should have his selection options increased tonight with the return to contention of Rod Wallace, following a family bereavement, and Kevin James who has recovered from a groin strain.

The manager stressed: "Tonight will be extremely tough for us, but if we show the same spirit that we did in drawing at Preston, we can get something from the game."